Ysgol Bro Preseli teacher struck pupil on school trip, hearing told

A pupil was struck on the chest by a PE supply teacher during a school football trip to France, a fitness to practice hearing has been told.

Shôn Rowcliffe was suspended from his job at Ysgol Bro Preseli in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, over claims he struck Pupil A, was intoxicated and swore during the trip, an education workforce council heard.

A group of the school’s Year 7 and 8 football players were taking part in an annual tournament at a school that is twinned with Bro Preseli.

The disciplinary panel was told Rowcliffe does not accept that he was under the influence of alcohol, nor does he accept that he struck the pupil.

Another school staff member on the trip, Martin Edwards, raised concerns with the school’s management after the group returned to Wales.

Rowcliffe is accused of being under the influence of alcohol, striking Pupil A across the chest, swearing, and raising his middle finger.

It is also claimed he asked Pupil A to keep the incident a secret, something he denies.

Rowcliffe’s representative told the hearing he admits to swearing, using strong language, and raising his middle finger.

But he does not accept that his actions were the result of excessive alcohol consumption.

Ysgol Bro Preseli headteacher Rhonwen Morris said Rowcliffe had been employed by the school as a day-to-day supply teacher due to the absence of a staff member.

She said that he was “helping with the PE department” and coaching the school’s football and rugby teams.

Prior to the alleged incident, Morris said she had “no concerns regarding Shôn Rowcliffe”.

She described him as a “conscientious person” who was “hardworking and willing to turn his hand to anything”.

Morris added that the school had provided training for the teachers before they took the group of boys to France, and that the school was “confident that everything had been prepared”.

The hearing continues.